Glasgow's Riverside Museum Opens It's Doors

Glasgows Riverside Museum Opens It's Doors

The new Riverside Museum opened today providing an exciting new home for Glasgow's transport collection.

Replacing the Museum of Transport previously located at the Kelvin Hall, the development has a riverside location on a site where the River Clyde meets Glasgow's other main river, the Kelvin, and is adjacent to Glasgow Harbour, a private-sector led mixed-use development extending to 120 acres.

The Riverside Museum is Zaha Hadid’s first major public commission to open in the UK.

The British-Iraqi architect was appointed by the city in 2004 to design what has already become an instantly recognisable addition to Glasgow’s skyline.

She said: “The history of Glasgow is profoundly interlinked with the history of the Clyde, and together they have informed the museum’s design. I wanted the building to reflect the importance of its location and allow for the innovative and inspirational display of its outstanding collection.

The fluid design continues Glasgow’s rich engineering traditions; a true demonstration and celebration of the skills and passion of local engineers and contractors who helped to bring this building to life.

“The Riverside Museum rises from Glasgow’s great industrial past to become an integral element of the modern city which is embracing its future.”

The Riverside Museum project is funded by Glasgow City Council, with the Heritage Lottery Fund also a major sponsor.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, the Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “Glasgow’s history as an industrial giant, a global leader in engineering and shipbuilding, is celebrated in an architectural masterpiece which shows that we remain at the cutting edge of design and technology.

“On the same spot where ships and paddle steamers were built, the launch of the Riverside Museum is an occasion which both Glasgow and Scotland can be proud of.

While we celebrate our past, we are determined to look to the future. Indeed, now there are more people working in Glasgow in culture and tourism than ever worked in the shipyards even at their height.

“Glasgow is a city transformed, from post industrial wasteland, to a global destination for culture and sport. The eyes of the world will be on us in 2014 as we host the Commonwealth Games, but as the Riverside Museum demonstrates, we have more than just our sporting legacy to shout about.”

More than 1,200 people have worked on the project, since it was given the initial go-ahead in 2002 and work on-site at the historic Pointhouse Quay, began in 2007. An additional 3,000 people worked on the various construction contracts to build the museum and quayside public realm.

The museum reveals the rich and varied stories of Glasgow’s great achievements and vibrant spirit; of technological breakthroughs and heartbreaking tragedies; of local heroes and global giants. Many of these tales are told through audiovisual displays, hands-on interactive and digital touch screens. The displays will be accessible and many are designed to engage children and young people and to give a better experience for disabled visitors.

The museum’s major attractions have been designed and built into the structure of the building – with some arriving before the completion of the structure, such is their size.

Highlights include, the Wall of Cars, the hanging Bicycle Velodrome, South African Locomotive, No9 Tank Engine, Motorbike Deck, Ship Launch Show, the Rest and Be Thankful, and three re-created period streets.

Visit the Glasgow museums website for further information.